Vietnam luxury small group tour, culture & nature

More info:Accommodation with breakfast daily
All transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
Western tour manager
English speaking guide
Meals, entrance fees, cruise and boat fees, domestic flights as indicated in the itinerary

Responsible tourism

Environment

Our style of travel means that our impact on the environment is at the very forefront of the experience. We ensure each accommodation you will stay in has a proactive commitment to the environment in which they are located. In addition, we engage with experts in their field to bring you a high level understanding of the natural and man made environment in which you will be personally experiencing.

In the north of Vietnam you will be joined by a university Geologist, Mr. Tran Van Hien, the Director of Halong Geological & Geomorphological Researching Centre and an expert in the geological features of the bay. He will offer insights into the formation of the bay. Deepen your experience in the bay by rowing and fishing with local fisherman; this additional source of income helps to reduce over fishing within the bay. Take part in a mangrove forestation tour, or participate in a project to replace foam floats with plastic ones. The Junk actively participates in awareness raising campaigns on how to protect Halong Bay. This also includes rubbish collection projects in Vung Vieng fishing village, and a project to plant 5 hectares of mangrove swamp in Cong Dam to protect the local ecosystem.

Explore Saigon’s heritage with author and historian Tim Doling, an expert on the history of this special city. Together with Tim, you will trace the development of the city from a Khmer fishing village to the modern economic powerhouse it is today. Lean about how the fusion of colonial French, ancient Chinese and American War influences have shaped the distinct look of Saigon.

Discover the UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve of Nam Cat Tien National Park. Home to last known population of Javan rhinos in mainland Southeast Asia. This national park addresses a number of threats by strengthening law enforcement, habitat management and rationalising park boundaries following the completion of several ecological and socio-economic studies. At the same time, the project assists people living in the park’s buffer zones with small-scale community development activities. The National Park is working to sustain biodiversity, protect the water catchments of the Tri An reservoir and Dong Nai river and to provide benefits for local people living around the National Park.

By staying in the only eco-resort located in the heart of the park, you will be supporting the work of the National Park, helping to raise environmental awareness and reduce poaching. Have a conscious experience, whilst enjoying some of the best hiking, biking, and wildlife watching in all of Vietnam.

Community

By joining our Vietnam experience you will be learning and contributing to multiple local initiatives throughout Vietnam:

Bloom Microventures: A creative non-profit organisation using tourism revenue to fund micro-finance loans to women in rural Vietnam. By providing low-interest capital to small-scale farmers, the money gets invested in profitable activities, driving up demand and supply in local markets. Enjoy a truly local experience as you meet the borrows of this program, ask them personally what their hopes and dreams are for their future and participate in local handicraft and farming activities to have a true appreciation of their lifestyle.

Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV): Was Vietnam’s first non-governmental organization focused on the conservation of nature and protection of the environment. ENV works towards greater awareness and understanding among the Vietnamese public about the need for nature and wildlife protection. Their innovative strategies influence public attitudes. Joining us for dinner one night will be a representative from ENV. They will answer your questions in relation to how they are working to reduce consumer demand for wildlife products, and working to strengthen legislations to close the gab on loopholes around wildlife protection.

Koto: Now in its 10th year, this social enterprise provides positive change to the lives of street and disadvantaged youth. Koto; “know one teach one” was founded by Vietnamese-Australian, Jimmy Pham. Jimmy believes learning should be passed on. Koto is a social enterprise having trained over 800 students throughout Vietnam. Enjoy a fresh and tasty local dish whilst supporting the ongoing work of Jimmy Pham and his team at the KOTO restaurant.

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More info:Accommodation with breakfast daily
All transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
Western tour manager
English speaking guide
Meals, entrance fees, cruise and boat fees, domestic flights as indicated in the itinerary